Our Story

First Meeting

We met in February 2006 at a Federalist Society conference in New York, though Keith first noticed Bethany three months previous. Mutual friends from ADF's Blackstone Legal Fellowship would not let Keith talk about Bethany any more until he spoke to her, so he screwed up his courage and first spoke to her. We began an e-mail correspondence several weeks later. We quickly learned that we share many of the same passions: law, politics, theology, lots of kids, vibrant worship of our Lord, and participating in a local church. Our relationship quickly deepened and we began courting in mid-May. Less than seven weeks later, our romance resulted in the beautiful ring now adorning Bethany’s finger.

Engagement Story (As written by Keith the day after)

Last night, Bethany and I went to Mesa Community College to view the fireworks. She seemed excited to watch the show with me. The previous night we had dined at a very classy place in Paradise Valley, that morning I gave her roses and took her to breakfast, and that afternoon we barbequed with a family with whom the Lewis family grew up homeschooling.

Yet she had no idea. We laid out our picnic blanket, opened our bottle of wine (leaving half the cork in the bottle), and nibbled on some chocolate. We began recounting our wonderful, whirlwind romance. Again she suspected nothing, because we talk about “us” all of the time. We dwelt on each detail and wrapped up the final weeks as the fireworks began to boom.

She still had no idea. When the show ended, we continued to sit there. She imagined that this was to avoid the traffic. I had other intentions. I had convinced her to bring her favorite children’s book and one of her poems. My idea was to turn her thoughts to poetry and then read her a poem I wrote for her.

But God had other plans. As soon as she opened her children’s book (The Clown of God), it began to rain. Lightly at first, then intensifying. We began to soak through. I wrapped Bethany in our blanket, and then she wrapped me in it. As we were in each other’s arms, I took out the poem I had penned and there, shivering, soaked to the bone, in July, in Arizona, I read these words:

My dear, on Vet’rans Day I first espied
A glimpse of elegance and beauty true.
The look of one home-reared that I inside
Could do naught else but pause and gaze at you.

From fear, I dared not launch my suit until
With Taylor’s help I came to you engaged
And first elicited the smiles which still
My soul awake and will yet when we’re aged.

Mere written words so bound your heart to mine
That when my offer roused your house ‘fore six
Your parents minded not. But now I find
Our courtship fails one thing which now I fix:

A ring. For since Louisville I’ve known my life
Lacks till I ask: “Will you be called my wife?”

She finally suspected something. She asked, “Are you asking me?” I fished the ring out of my wet pocket and placed it on her wet finger.

We were wet, but engaged!

It finally stopped raining, the parking lot was empty, but we stayed there and reveled in the moment. God has blessed us with each other!